With just a week to go before their World Cup 2026 opener against France, the Senegal national team is raising some eyebrows. The recent performances of the Lions of Teranga reveal clear areas that need quick fixes ahead of this major showdown.
In their last warm-up match, Pape Thiaw’s men were held to a goalless draw (0-0) by Saudi Arabia late Tuesday into Wednesday. This match, played in an intense preparation context, highlighted a lack of offensive efficiency and sometimes insufficient overall play. Despite a few interesting possession sequences, the Senegalese struggled to pose a real threat in the final third.
This result comes just days after a defeat to the United States (3-2), where the Senegalese defense had already shown signs of vulnerability. Across these two matches, the observation is the same: a team still in the making, searching for collective understanding and balance between lines.
Against Saudi Arabia, the Senegalese were even outmatched at times in intensity and ball control. Without a stellar performance from goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, the team could have faced defeat. The keeper made several crucial saves, helping his side hold on for the draw and avoid a worse outcome. Édouard Mendy stood out as one of the few players meeting expectations.
In attack, Sadio Mané and his teammates failed to make a difference, despite a few isolated attempts. The lack of fluidity in offensive sequences and difficulty in breaking through opposing blocks remain concerning issues just days before the clash with the French.
Another significant moment from the match was the red card for Nicolas Jackson at the end. The forward received two yellow cards within two minutes, in the 82nd and 84th minutes, leading to his dismissal. However, Nicolas Jackson will not be suspended for the match against France, which is a positive for the Senegalese coaching staff.
This preparation phase highlights a Senegalese team still far from its best level. With a lack of offensive realism, defensive inconsistency, and difficulty in maintaining a steady rhythm, the signals are mixed. The coaching staff must quickly find solutions to stabilize the starting eleven and improve collective cohesion.
As the showdown against France approaches, expectations remain high. Senegal knows it must significantly raise its game to compete with France, one of the tournament favorites.
In this context, the next few training days will be crucial to address the observed shortcomings and allow the Lions to enter the World Cup with more confidence and collective mastery.
